The Steeplechase at Callaway was organized by Mason Lampton in 1985 while he was serving as President of The Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Having ridden as an amateur jockey as a young man, he organized the Hard Scuffle Steeplechase which was held on his father's farm in Louisville , KY. There are some 35 steeplechase venues in 12 states in the United States which are sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association ( NSA ), the governing body for steeplechase racing. Georgia hosts two of the top five steeplechase events in the United States , the Atlanta Steeplechase in the spring and The Steeplechase at Callaway in the fall. The Steeplechase at Callaway is proud to carry the fourth largest purse in the nation--$215,000. This purse ensures quality horses with the best trainers and riders entering our Race.

Symphony Orchestra, the Historic Columbus Foundation, the Springer Opera House and the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation as charities with large numbers of volunteers needed to manage the event. He also recognized the precarious financial situation of many arts groups throughout the country—many of these institutions collapsing during recessionary times. Lampton wanted The Steeplechase at Callaway to become a sustaining funding mechanism for these arts groups in our community.

The event is a first class sporting event drawing horses not only from the U.S. but throughout the world.

The Steeplechase at Callaway is located between Atlanta and Columbus , Georgia , in Pine Mountain , Georgia . It draws spectators from throughout the state, particularly Columbus , LaGrange, Newnan and Atlanta . In 1991 Lord Vestey, a member of the Royal Family and Chairman of Cheltenham, Racecourse in Gloucestershire, England flew over for the weekend. In addition, Dick Francis, who once rode steeplechase horses for the Queen Mother and is a well-known mystery write, came for several years.

Each year The Steeplechase at Callaway benefits from some of the best leadership in Columbus . The volunteer Race Director commits to a two year term with the event, first serving as Operations Chairman responsible for the logistics of Race Day. The second year she serves as overall chairman of the Race.

There is a ticket price to match everyone's pocketbook. From $25 general admission tickets to $5,000 plus tent packages. The Steeplechase at Callaway has become a family friendly event with many entertainment activities added for the young and old alike. It begins with the Midland Foxhound Parade on the track and the Atholl Highland Bagpipers performance. Throughout the day children may enjoy pony rides, a bungee jump, a rock wall, moon walk and an opportunity to build your own stuffed pony. There is a Race Arcade which houses souvenirs, retail vendors and artists. As well, there are numerous other competitive events such as a hat contest, Terrier races, a chefs competition and a tailgate contest.